Dear Dr. Roach: In several of your columns, either you or a reader has brought up the subject of ivermectin as a treatment for infections or cancer. Is this the same ivermectin that is in my dog's heartworm medication? The label on the dog medication says ivermectin/pyrantel. If it is the same, is it really safe for us humans?

— L.M.H.

Dear L.M.H.: Ivermectin is prescribed for humans and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of certain parasitic infections. Pyrantel is a separate antiparasitic drug that is used for both humans and dogs. The dose for dogs depends on their weight but is much less than the doses used for adult humans for the treatment of serious parasitic infections, like strongyloides.

When used at the correct dose, ivermectin is an effective

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